Too Old Behind the Wheel

July 17, 2003 - Posted at: 9:00 p.m. CDT

JONESBORO, Ark. -- It's a tough topic for families to handle: When do you take the car keys away from an aging family member?

There is no law in the state of Arkansas and Missouri, that requires a driver to turn in their license at a certain age. However, according to Captain Mike Coy of the Arkansas State Police, you can file a complaint against a questionable driver.

"A complaint can be filed with Driver Control Hearing Officers, and they'll review it and they can call the individual in for a hearing if there is cause," said Coy. If, then after the hearing, there's reason to believe the person in question shouldn't be behind the wheel, they will be asked to take a driving test, which could result in their license being revoked.

Kay Greenway with the Area Agency on Aging says elderly drivers are more careful than younger drivers, but have a hard time realizing when they should turn their keys in.

"A lot of that is encouraged by their doctors and family members," said Greenway. "When they see that there is a problem, they will encourage another way for them to get to their destination."

But, before you criticize older drivers, there's one thing to keep in mind, according to the Arkansas State Police: "It's not just older drivers that can be problems, sometimes it's older drivers too."

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